Reply to TheCaretaker's Post: My cat is about 10 month old. The feces stick to her butt every two or three weeks. Her feces are hard most of the time but get pasty and that is when it sticks to her. I feed her Friskies Feline Favorites. At one time she had parasites, could they come back and cause this problem?

Depending on the type of parasite and how they were treated (over the counter or prescription), they may very well return. Not all meds treat all parasites or all stages of them.

It may be worth having a fecal float done (to test for parasites), but until then you might want to try a different nutritional approach.

If you take a look at the ingredients in the food you'll find that just plain meat or fish isn't in the top three ingredients. In fact, it's usually 'ground yellow corn; brewers rice; chicken by product meal', which translates to filler+filler+beaks,feet, bones ground up into even more filler.

Sad isn't it? Especially since cats are what is called "obligate carnivores", meaning that the only nutritional values they receive are from meat or fish.

Name brands are not important, but ingredients are. Meat or fish should be in the first couple ingredients and not plant products. For example, "chicken, chicXXXXX XXXXXver..." or "beef, chicken ...", you get the idea. Not "chicken by-product meal" "corn meal" , "wheat gluten" or anything along those lines. Greens or vegetables of any kind are a waste of space. Not all proteins are the same either. Looking for the protein percentage on the label is deceiving if most or all of it is from plant material or by-products.

Even if you choose a kibble to supplement the canned foods it needs to have a real meat in the first two ingredients. You might be surprised at what could be on ingredient lists of some popular, very expensive cat foods. Many of these foods are no better (sometimes worse) than discount store pet foods and what the public would be shocked to discover is that sometimes they both come from the same manufacturing plant, using the same formula and just varying their shape, color or size and packaging.

This was something that became apparent during the recent pet food recalls.

For more comprehensive information on feline nutrition, by a vet who specializes in this research and offers findings and suggestions freely, check this site: http://www.catinfo.org/

Finally, cats aren't supposed to be big water drinkers (although fresh water needs to always be available). They are supposed to be getting a large part of their hydration through their food.

I believe if you adjust your little one's food intake, you'll see a difference within 8 to 12 hours and not have any more clean up duty.

What Customers are Saying:

The response from the Expert literally saved my cat's life. Thank
you from the bottom of my heart -- I will recommend all of my friends to you!!!
LuciaRincon, Georgia

I will use your service again. I was very pleased with the response and the fact that you have a low cost option so that those of us on fixed income can have questions answered. I will also recommend you to others.
KarenJackson Heights, NY

You helped us to come to what we believe is a better next step in Jack's treatment, and hopefully have saved us $800!!
Thanks again!Jack's MomTuscon, AZ

The vet said that the information and my following it will be what made the difference. Thanks again for being so very helpful.TracyGrayson, LA

My oldest male cat had a seizure this evening. This site was the first place I could think of to go after the seizure had passed. Dr. Lucy was fantastic and she was spot on! DebbieUSA

I must tell you I found this site by accident and was amazed when I asked a question of the Veteranians online. I wish I could have found it sooner it could have made such a difference in the outcome of my pet's surgery. However, I am passing along the information to my sister-in-law (a cat-rescue person who is also a nurse), and perhaps it will help someone else who may experience the same problem.
The doctor who answered my question was amazing, and while it didn't come it time to change the outcome of my situation, it is reassuring to know the caliber of Vets/Doctors that you have at JustAnswer. Thank you for being there.Alice H.Jacksonville, Fl.

Ask a Cat Vet

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

66 Cat Vets are Online Now

Type Your Cat Question Here...

characters left:

Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.